Species

Camellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

25 other cultivars

shrub

Susy Dirr Sasanqua Camellia

Camellia sasanqua 'Susy Dirr'

The Story

Plant Bio

Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub with smaller leaves and a more open habit than C. japonica. They are valued for their profuse fall to early winter blooms and greater sun tolerance.

Developed by Dr. Michael Dirr, 'Susy Dirr' is valued for its improved cold hardiness (to Zone 6b) and abundant, semi-double, lavender-pink flowers. It has a dense, vigorous growth habit.

Uses & Benefits:

The lovely lavender-pink flowers are a unique color for fall-blooming camellias. Its introduction allows gardeners in slightly colder climates to enjoy the beauty of Sasanquas.

A tough and reliable shrub, its dense habit makes it a superb choice for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings, especially where extra hardiness is desired.

Provides a late-season nectar source for pollinators in a wider range of climates, extending the ecological benefits of camellias to more gardens.

SpeciesCamellia sasanquaSasanqua Camellia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers high humidity

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-fall – Late fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a protected site with acidic, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Plant with the top of the root ball slightly above soil level.
Backfill with native or amended soil, tamping gently.
Water deeply to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the stem.

Pro Tip

In Zone 6, plant in a location sheltered from harsh winter winds, such as the east side of a building.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during the first year.
Fertilize in spring with a formula for acid-loving plants.
Prune after flowering in winter to maintain shape and density.
In colder zones, provide winter protection with mulch and a sheltered site.

Don't

Do not plant too deep; this is a primary cause of failure.
Avoid letting the soil become completely bone-dry.
Don't fertilize late in the season, as this can push tender new growth.
Never pile mulch up against the main stem of the plant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent choice for gardens in colder climatesReliable and beautiful flowering privacy hedgeSturdy foundation plant with four-season interest

Companion Plants

Loropetalum chinense MahoniaAutumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) Edgeworthia chrysantha Fatsia japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Susy Dirr Sasanqua Camellia questions

What zones can Susy Dirr Sasanqua Camellia grow in?

Susy Dirr Sasanqua Camellia is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Susy Dirr Sasanqua Camellia deer resistant?

Yes — Susy Dirr Sasanqua Camellia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Susy Dirr Sasanqua Camellia bloom?

Susy Dirr Sasanqua Camellia typically blooms in mid-fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Susy Dirr Sasanqua Camellia need full sun?

Susy Dirr Sasanqua Camellia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.